As of: January 30, 2024, 6:30 a.m
By: Judith Braun
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Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are the most important risk factors for oral cancer.
There are also others that you should know.
According to the
German Cancer Society,
around 9,350 men and 3,740 women in Germany are diagnosed with malignant tumors of the oral cavity and throat every year.
According to a brochure from the
Working Group of Scientific Medical Societies,
any area in the oral cavity can be affected by the cancer, but it particularly often affects the tongue and floor of the mouth.
Since oral cancer can metastasize in its early stages, it is important to recognize the symptoms.
Two factors can particularly increase the risk of this type of cancer.
Oral cancer: Five factors that can increase the risk
The tongue and floor of the mouth are the areas of the mouth most commonly affected by oral cancer.
© Pond5 Images/IMAGO
According to information from the Swiss Cancer League,
there is no clear cause of oral cavity cancer
.
Instead, various factors can be responsible for tumors forming in the oral cavity.
These are often risk factors that are related to your own lifestyle and can sometimes be avoided.
These include some of the following five factors:
regular alcohol consumption (especially hard drinks)
Smoke
poor oral hygiene
chronic sores in the area of the oral mucosa (e.g. due to sharp edges of teeth or dentures)
Infection with certain types of human papilloma viruses
If oral cancer is suspected, an ear, nose and throat doctor should thoroughly examine the mouth and throat.
For example, the mouth, throat, larynx, trachea and nasal cavities are examined with an endoscope or tissue samples are taken from suspicious areas.
The facial and neck organs can be visualized using imaging techniques such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging or computer tomography.
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Preventing oral cancer: What you can do yourself
Since some of the risk factors are related to your own lifestyle, there are things you can do to prevent oral cancer.
For example, experts recommend thorough oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist.
If you are a smoker, try to quit and get support if necessary.
Also pay attention to any changes in your mouth and have them checked out by a doctor.
Finally, try drinking less alcohol or not drinking it at all.
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This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.